I’m dedicating this post to everyone who thirsts for a little adventure in taking roads less traveled and when the GPS says, “No Known Road.”. One never knows what we will find when we take “Paths and Portals of Adventure and Mystery.”
The image above is a tunnel leading to a rocky beach from the Suk Condominiums in Taormina, Sicily.

I was a pretty adventurous kid! At 7 years old I was walking on high railroad trestles, exploring long tunnels,and taking dirt paths near our home in the Oakland Hills. Moving to Germany at 8, I spent days exploring the ruins of bombed out buildings and playing in bomb craters near our base. My father was furious when I was caught by M.P.’s in an off-limits area with unexploded ordnance.

My interest in seeing the world evolved from my early childhood. Anthony Bourdain once said, “Move. As far as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. Walk in someone else’s shoe or at least eat their food. Open your mind, get up off the couch, move.”

The image above is an “Angkul angkul gate at a private home in Mas, Bali.

An ancient and very steep lane beckons us in Montepulciano, Italy.

Steps to…knowledge. Marla talks to our guide on the way to Mount Phousi in Luang Prabang, Laos.

Creative steps in Sciacca, Sicily.

We were driven to explore this dark entrance while shopping in Chiang Mai, Thailand. What treasures are to be found? As our eyes adjusted to the dark interior Marla says, “You HAVE to see this!” It was an unexpected “Eureka” moment!

A portal at the Bayon Temple in Angkor Wat Archaeological Park.

I am drawn to the mysterious Goa Gajah temple, or “Elephant Cave”, in Bali.

Passing by the entrance to a “Hutong” in Beijing, I’m fascinated by the world beyond this portal.https://www.chinahighlights.com/beijing/hutong/

“Marla, I have no idea where we are!”

Navigating our route on the “Tab Kak-Hang Nature Trail” in Krabi, Thailand.

A portal to the “Blue Mosque” in Istanbul.

Embellished steps in Essaouira, Morocco.

Sometimes you encounter a place which appears almost deserted like Suvereto in Coastal Tuscany.

Walking toward the South Gate in Angkor Wat, Cambodia was mesmerizing.

There is nothing better than wandering in a labyrinth of Medieval lanes as in Gorbio, France.

Marla walks through a portal of jungle growth outside of Tanggayuda, Bali.

Walking through a tunnel next to headless Buddhas in Ayutthaya, Thailand.

A cold day exploring a section of the “Great Wall of China.”

I have never been to a place so transformative as Angkor Thom Temple in Angkor Wat.

Late night exploration of a steep street in Palma, Mallorca.

Inlaid path to possible nirvana at the Royal Kirana Spa outside of Ubud, Bali.

Iconic portal in Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple, outside of Muntilon in Central Java.

One feels close to nature going through this verdant portal to the “4 Sources Hotel” in Anduze, Southwestern France.

As we travel unknown roads decisions must often be made. Do we follow the arrow and turn right, or do we go left? I am sure beauty and wonder will be found no matter which direction we travel. Which way will you go?

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.